Can Cats See Television?

The short answer is yes, cats can see television, but not in the same way humans do. Their vision is different, and they process images differently. While we might enjoy a complex plotline, a cat’s attention is more likely drawn to movement and color on the screen. So, while your cat may seem engrossed in a nature documentary, they’re likely fascinated by the flitting birds and scurrying squirrels rather than the David Attenborough narration.

Cats have more rods than cones in their eyes, allowing them to see much better in low light conditions than humans. They also have a wider field of vision. This means they can detect subtle movements that we might miss, making fast-paced action sequences or even the flicker of a cursor on the screen captivating. Their superior night vision doesn’t mean they see in the dark, but they can see clearly in much dimmer light than we can.

Cats can see a limited range of colors, primarily blues and greens, with some reds. While they don’t see the full spectrum of colors that humans do, they can still distinguish between different hues. This, combined with their ability to detect motion, makes television visually stimulating for them. A brightly colored bird flitting across the screen is much more likely to catch a cat’s eye than a subtle shift in lighting in a dramatic scene.

A cat’s exceptional hearing also plays a role in their fascination with television. They can hear a much broader range of frequencies than humans, allowing them to pick up on high-pitched sounds that are often used in animal documentaries or nature programs. The chirping of crickets, the rustling of leaves, or the high-pitched squeaks of rodents can all pique a cat’s interest, even if the visual component isn’t particularly engaging.

While cats can see and hear the television, their cognitive understanding of what they’re seeing is limited. They likely don’t grasp the narrative or the complexities of human interaction on screen. Instead, they react to the visual and auditory stimuli, often interpreting them through the lens of their natural instincts.

This instinctive response is often linked to their predatory nature. Fast-moving objects on screen, like a bird in flight or a mouse scurrying across the floor, can trigger a cat’s hunting instincts. They may stalk the screen, paw at it, or even try to pounce on the perceived prey. This is why videos specifically designed for cats often feature birds, rodents, or fish.

Interestingly, cats may also show interest in programming that features other cats. While it’s not clear whether they recognize other cats on screen as fellow felines, they may still be drawn to their movements and vocalizations. However, lacking the scent cues that are so crucial to cat communication, a televised cat is unlikely to provoke the same territorial response as a real-life intruder.

Beyond entertainment, television can offer enrichment for indoor cats. It provides visual and auditory stimulation, which can help alleviate boredom and stress, particularly for cats who don’t have access to outdoor environments. The movement and sounds on screen can mimic the natural stimuli that cats would encounter in the wild, keeping them engaged and mentally stimulated.

Christine O’Brien

Christine Brovelli-O’Brien, Ph.D., is an award-winning writer, educator, and long-time cat mom. She’s a professional member of the Cat Writers’ Association (CWA) and has written for industry-leading companies and organizations, including What to Expect and STEM Read. Find and follow Christine on Instagram and Twitter @brovelliobrien